Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Finding a bicycle under the Christmas tree is a tradition that many of us have enjoyed for generations. Let our experts select the best bike for your daughter or son, and make sure it's safe, with assembly by our professional mechanics.

Kids' bikes come in a range of sizes. With adult bikes, the size of the bike refers to the size of the FRAME, but for kids' bikes, the size refers to the size of the WHEEL. There is a recommended age range for each size, although keep in mind that these recommendations are approximate, since all kids grow and mature at different rates. All of them have adjustable seat height to allow for growth.

24-Inch Bikes are the largest size bike for kids, and typically work well for most kids aged 7 years and up. Check out the Giant XTC Jr. 24 Lite for boys or the Liv Enchant 24 Lite for girls. These bikes have 7 speeds and hand brakes, to help kids develop the shifting and braking skills they'll need once they graduate to an adult bike.

Giant XTC Jr. 24 Lite

20-Inch Bikes are appropriate for kids ages 5 to 8 years old. Most of these bikes will have one gear and a coaster (pedal) brake. Some will have a single auxiliary hand brake to give your child a head-start on hand-braking skills. Check out the Giant Motr 20 and Raleigh MXR 20 for boys, or the Liv Adore 20 and Raleigh Jazzi 20 for girls. Training wheels can be purchased separately and add to these bikes if needed. If your child is ready to try switching gears and hand brakes, look at the Giant XTC Jr 20 Lite for boys or the Liv Enchant 20 Lite for girls.

Liv Adore 20

16-Inch Bikes work well for most kids aged 3 to 6 years. These bikes have one speed, a coaster brake, and usually come with training wheels, which can be removed as your child's skill progresses. Our options in this size are the Giant Animator 16 and Raleigh MXR 16 for boys, or the Liv Adore 16 and Raleigh Jazzi 16 for girls.

Giant Animator 16

12-Inch Bikes are for kids ages 2 to 4 years, and like their 16-inch counterparts, have one gear, a coaster brake, and removable training wheels. Check out the Giant Animator 12 and Raleigh MXR 12 for boys or the Liv Adore 12 for girls!

Liv Adore 12

Balance Bikes are becoming more and more popular as a method to get your kids riding on their own, without the headaches and heartaches of training wheels. The bikes have 12-inch wheels, but no pedals. Your child begins to learn by using the bike as a scooter, pushing along with his or her feet. They soon get the hang of lifting their feet up and cruising, keeping their balance as they go. Since they already have the skill of balancing mastered, when you put them on a regular pedal bike, all they have to learn is the pedaling skill -- skipping the training wheels! We've got the Giant Pre balance bike in stock in colors to suit boys and girls of all tastes.

Giant Pre balance bike

Already have a kid's bike in the garage or basement that needs some TLC? We've got replacement tires in stock (in both black and white) for all of the above sizes, as well as the less-common 18-inch and 14-inch sizes. We can fix flat tires and perform other minor adjustments while you wait! For more major repairs, we provide free estimates! We service all brands of adult and kids bicycles, not just those bought from us!

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Minnesota has 180 stream trout lakes, scattered throughout the state. Many of these are located in Superior National Forest and offer a prime opportunity for exploration, solitude, hard-earned but rewarding access points, and adventure by bike.

Loading up the Salsa Blackborow fat bike with fly rods, float tubes, fins, camping gear, and all the associated items for a few days of life in the woods and on the water resulted in memorable days.

Trails were ridden. Trout were brought to hand. Mother Nature showed her many moods. Fine camp living was enjoyed to the fullest.

Operating a motor vehicle is generally prohibited on trails within Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP). In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act however, persons with disabilities may use a "Other Power Driven Mobility Device (OPMD)" such as an e-bike.

Disabled persons may use e-bikes rated at 1 horsepower or 750 watts, or similar OPMDs in areas open to pedestrian use wherever possible.

Until recently, the park required that disabled persons obtain a free permit prior to use on the trail. This requirement has been discontinued.

Disabled persons wishing to use an e-bike on the Towpath Trail may do so and there is no requirement to obtain a permit or otherwise explain the nature of their disability.

The Cleveland Metroparks classifies an electric bicycle as an "Other Power Driven Mobility Device" (or, "OPDMD"), the same as a motorized wheelchair, and permits their use on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail and other All-Purpose Trails within their jurisdiction provided that the device is required because of a person's mobility disability. Their official policy states:

Representatives of Cleveland Metroparks, including staff and volunteers, shall NOT ask an individual using a wheelchair or OPDMD questions about the nature and extent of the individual's disability. In accordance with the [US Department of Justice] regulations, representatives of Cleveland Metroparks, including staff and volunteers, may ask a person using an OPDMD to provide a credible assurance that the mobility device is required because of the person's mobility disability.

Cleveland Metroparks shall accept the presentation of a valid, State-issued, disability parking placard or card, or other state-issued proof of disability as a credible assurance that the use of the OPDMD is for the individual's mobility disability. In lieu of a valid, State-issued disability parking placard or card, or State-issyued proof of disability, Cleveland Metroparks shall accept as a credit assurance a verbal representation, not contradicted by observable fact, that the OPDMD is being used for a mobility disability. A valid disability placard or card is one that is presented by the individual to whom it was issued and is otherwise in compliance with the State of issuance's requirements for disability placards or cards.

We reached out to the Summit Metro Parks to determine their policy on e-bike use on the Towpath Trail. Their response was that "We don't permit the use of e-bikes on our trails, unless used as OPDMDs." It would appear that this policy is similar to that of the Cleveland Metroparks above, although a significant clause in their complete Rules & Regulations states that "OPDMDs must be operated at a speed of five (5) miles per hour or less." It is not clear if this applies to e-bikes when used by people with mobility disabilities; we suggest you contact them yourself if you need to obtain further clarification.

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

For over twenty-five years, NiteRider has been providing bicyclists the most durable, reliable, and best-performing lights for riders on the roads, paths, and mountain bike trails. With our Early Black Friday NiteRider Deal, now is the perfect time to add high-visibility safety for day and night-time riding to your bike, or upgrade your old bike lights!

From November 14 through 27, 2017, take 25% OFF all in-stock NiteRider products! We have a full selection of headlights, taillights, headlight/taillight combo sets, and accessories at all three Century Cycles stores!

Friday, November 10, 2017

As we observe Veteran's Day today, we at Century Cycles wish to express our gratitude to all of the veterans who have served to protect our country, as well as all current service members on active duty or reserves.

We take this opportunity announce that we are offering a 10% discount on all regularly-priced cycling clothing, parts, and accessories to all members of our military (veterans, active duty, or reserves). This is good not just today, but every day going forward! Please have proof of military service. Thank you!

Thursday, November 9, 2017

The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) is working on updating their bike map for Medina County, and they want your input! They're having a public workshop, and you are invited to attend.

Light refreshments will be provided. Open-house style meeting, so stop by even if you can't attend the whole meeting. A short presentation will be followed by a group activity to help create the new bike map.

This meeting is hosted by the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency. For more information, see: http://noaca.org/bikemaps

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

The jurisdictions that are responsible for the maintenance of Everett Road have decided that it is not worth the resources to keep it open, and are currently considering vacating this road and allowing it to deteriorate.

Members of the Akron Bike Club and other concerned local organizations have taken up the cause to save Everett Road for cyclists, hikers, and runners, but they need your help.

Those who used Everett Road all the time (back when it was rideable) know that it was the safest route for cyclists in and out of the Cuyahoga Valley. It gave us a route that wasn’t as busy as Wheatley Road, wasn’t as steep as Ira Road or Bath Road, and allowed access to some of our favorite routes near the Cugahoga Valley National Park.

Here’s how you can help:

If you are available, please attend the November 13 (next Monday) meeting of the Summit County Council, at 4:30 PM in the Council Chambers (on the 7th floor of the County Administration Building) in Akron. There is a parking garage on 200 S. High Street, directly across from the County Court House. Once in the parking garage, follow hallways leading to the County Administration Bldg. and take the elevator to the 7th floor. You can obtain a validation sticker in the Council Chambers and park for free. During that meeting, the Council will be taking definitive action on a Resolution regarding the future of Everett. There is an effort to amend the Resolution to provide through May 1, 2018 to explore turning the roadbed into an all-purpose trail.

If you live in Summit County, please email your Councilperson about this. Send a short message indicating why Everett Road should be kept open for cyclists, hikers, runners, etc.

A north-south section, approximately 10 miles long. The southern end is near the intersection of State Routes 8 and 303. The northern end is at the county line near Alexander Road, although the trail continues into Cuyahoga County as the All-Purpose Trail in the Cleveland MetroparksBedford Reservation.

A loop section, approximately 20 miles long, through areas of Hudson, Silver Lake, Munroe Falls, and Stow. This loop is not a continuous trail, and following the entire loop requires riding on some public streets and roads shared with motor vehicle traffic.

Look for these "Bike Route" signs to
follow the on-street sections of the
Summit Metro Parks Bike & Hike Trail

The first time I tried to ride the whole loop section was about 12 years ago, on a mid-fall day much like today, with a chill in the air and some rain; there may have even been a few snowflakes falling. When I hit the first on-street sections, there was a detour due to some road construction, plus I missed some of the "Bike Route" signs, and I got lost. Eventually, I navigated the entire route, but probably spent an extra hour of trial-and-error finding my way around.

The page for the Bike & Hike Trail on the Summit Metro Parks web site has a map, and most of the on-street route can be deciphered. The page also lists all of the parking areas and trailheads for the entire trail.

I thought it might be nice for those who are into navigation technology to provide detailed route information for those planning a ride on the Bike & Hike Trail. I added a few routes to the Century Cycles Ride With GPS profile. All of the routes start at the State Route 303 trailhead.

Two of the routes follow the Summit Metro Parks' recommended route for the Bike & Hike Trail loop. One goes clockwise, the other goes counter-clockwise.

The trail runs pretty near to the city of Kent. With it many options for restaurants and coffee shops, Kent is a popular destination for many cyclists in the area, so I provided two additional routes that detour off of the main Bike & Hike Trail loop and go into downtown Kent. Again, both a clockwise and counter-clockwise version of the loop are included:

You can also find these links at this page on our web site. From each route page, you can print a cue sheet to follow along with while you ride, or download the route data to load into your own GPS device.

DISCLAIMER: Your use of this route information indicates your acceptance of all responsibility for its use. Ride safely, legally, and responsibly, and respect private property. Accessibility and suitability of roads and trails may change due to factors beyond our control; check local conditions before proceeding.